On June 24, the newest member of the Detroit Tigers signed a contract, answered questions from the media and took the field at Comerica Park.

The new Tiger was 8-year-old Matt, who is in remission from leukemia and, through Make-A-Wish Michigan, spent the day becoming part of the organization he has always loved.

A baseball fan through and through, Matt plays pitcher and shortstop and had one simple wish: become a Detroit Tiger.

His day began with a ceremonial one-day contract signing alongside manager A.J. Hinch during his pregame media availability. Dressed in his custom Tigers jersey, Matt confidently fielded questions from reporters before heading behind the scenes for an experience few fans ever have.

Throughout the day, Matt became part of the team. He spent time in the dugout, met players and coaches, played catch, signed his own custom Tigers baseball cards for fans and joined Tarik Skubal in the bullpen, where he was welcomed into one of the most exclusive spaces in the ballpark. More than 140 family members, friends and Make-A-Wish supporters filled the stands to cheer him on as he threw the ceremonial first pitch, a moment later featured by Major League Baseball as part of its national coverage of Matt's special day.

For the Tigers, the experience was another chapter in a longstanding partnership with Make-A-Wish Michigan.

Matt’s wish began weeks earlier at Make-A-Wish Michigan's Walk for Wishes, where Matt learned his wish was going to be granted. During the surprise reveal, Kerry Carpenter delivered a personal video invitation welcoming Matt to the Tigers before Skubal walked on stage to present him with his official Tigers jersey.

While every Make-A-Wish experience is unique, they all share the mission of creating moments of hope during some of life's most challenging circumstances. According to Make-A-Wish, more than 90 percent of wish alumni say their wish improved their quality of life, strengthened family relationships and gave them greater hope for the future.

Those moments leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.

For Tigers players, coaches, broadcasters, colleagues and fans, wish days serve as a reminder that baseball is about more than what happens on the field. The game has a unique ability to bring people together during life's biggest moments, and creating those moments for children like Matt is something the organization is proud to do.

For Matt and his family, June 24 marked the chance to celebrate how far he has come. For the Tigers, it was another opportunity to help create an impactful memory to last a lifetime.

Richard Fenton, Vice President and Chief Security Officer for Ilitch Companies, received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition, held June 23 to 25 in Palm Desert, California.

NCS4, based at The University of Southern Mississippi, is the leading organization focused on advancing safety and security practices for spectator sports and large public venues across the United States. It brings together professional sports leagues, venue operators, law enforcement, and security experts to set standards, share intelligence, and promote best practices in crowd safety and risk management.

“It’s been an honor to serve in a public safety environment for more than 50 years,” said Fenton. “I’m fortunate to work with a talented group of security professionals and for a company that ensures the safety and security of our guests and colleagues.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has earned the respect and admiration of professional colleagues in the sports safety and security community.

"From serving in law enforcement to safeguarding fans at Detroit’s most popular venues, and now leading at an executive level, Rick’s career has been defined by service, vision and trust,” said Lashinda Stair, 1st Assistant Chief (Retired) with the Detroit Police Department. “This achievement honors not just where he’s been, but the countless people and professionals he’s lifted along the way,”

Fenton’s recognition builds on a long list of honors. In 2009, he and Ilitch Companies were recognized by former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm for contributions to homeland security. In 2013, NCS4 and Major League Baseball named him Professional of the Year. In 2016, he was named one of the most influential people in security by Security Magazine. In 2019, the NCS4 program and the National Hockey League recognized Little Caesars Arena with a Facility Achievement Award, citing it as a model for venue security operations. In 2022, Fenton was named an NCS4 Champion of Change.

“Rick’s dedication, leadership, and impact on the security industry have set a standard for all of us,” said Mike Bruggeman, Chief Safety & Security Officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “I’m proud to call him a friend and am inspired by everything he’s accomplished.”

Ilitch Companies today announced an investment in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), reinforcing its belief in the league’s momentum, long-term potential, and role in shaping the future of professional women’s hockey.

The investment reflects Ilitch Companies’ long-standing commitment to men’s and women’s hockey at every level. From the Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars Arena to the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, which has developed generations of players since 1968, the organization has helped strengthen the game across the region and create opportunities for athletes, families, and fans.

“The PWHL's rise has been one of the most compelling stories in professional sports, and we are proud to be part of that story,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. “Investing in the PWHL means an opportunity to broaden the game’s reach, connect with new fans, and create pathways for athletes for generations to come. Our organization has long believed in the power of hockey to bring communities together and open doors for the next generation. From supporting youth and amateur hockey for nearly 60 years to investing in the future of women’s professional hockey, we are proud to help advance the game at every level.”

The investment also builds on Ilitch Companies’ and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s growing partnership with the PWHL, which includes bringing record-setting professional women’s hockey games to Little Caesars Arena, supporting the league’s expansion in Detroit, and helping host the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony and Draft in Detroit.

Little Caesars Arena hosted the league’s first-ever neutral-site game during its inaugural season in 2024, drawing more than 13,700 fans. In total, Detroit has hosted four PWHL games over three seasons, the most of any neutral-site city, including a then-U.S. arena attendance record for women’s hockey in 2025 and a Little Caesars Arena women’s hockey attendance high of nearly 16,000 during the 2026 Takeover Tour.

These moments made clear that Detroit is ready to support professional women’s hockey at the highest level. The PWHL announced expansion earlier this year, with the team set to debut during the 2026-27 season and play home games at Little Caesars Arena.

While Detroit is an important part of the story, Ilitch Companies’ investment is in the PWHL as a league and designed to support its broader growth across North America. As of the 2025-26 season, the PWHL’s single-entity structure is comprised of eight teams — Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver — with Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose added as the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th teams ahead of the 2026-27 season.

"We're proud to deepen our partnership with the PWHL as the league enters this next chapter," said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. "Investing in leagues that are shaping the future of sports is core to who we at Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. The continued rise of women’s hockey reflects a growing appetite for elite competition and meaningful fan experiences. We’re excited to support that momentum and play a role in connecting the league with new fans while helping elevate the sport’s profile.”

Bringing the PWHL to Detroit is about more than adding another team to the market. It is about growing the game, increasing visibility for elite women athletes and inspiring the next generation of girls and young women who now have a professional team to look up to right here in Michigan.

Ahead of the Detroit Tigers’ Black in Baseball Weekend, students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit (BGC) gathered at the BGC Spark Lab inside Michigan Central Station for an opportunity to witness firsthand how storytelling, creativity and collaboration bring a campaign to life.

The project centered around Detroit native and self-taught artist Jon Genius, who designed a special-edition T-shirt to be sold in The D Shop during Black in Baseball Weekend at Comerica Park. But for the students in attendance, the day was about much more than the final product.

Colleagues from Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s Creative, Retail and Brand Marketing teams shared the work behind the scenes, showing how an idea evolves from concept to execution. The students from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit had the opportunity to ask questions about career paths in sports and entertainment, learn about the technical aspects of the production process and observe as the Creative team directed and captured content throughout the day. To cap off the experience, students received the featured Jon Genius T-shirt, Detroit Stars hats and Tigers game tickets during Black in Baseball weekend.

For many students, exposure to careers in sports and entertainment begins with the athletes they watch on the field or ice. Experiences like these at the BGC Spark Lab can expand that perspective, introducing students to the wide range of opportunities that exist beyond the game itself.

That philosophy is at the heart of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit.

Opened in February 2026 inside the historic Michigan Central Station, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit serves as a 13,000-square-foot youth innovation hub designed to inspire Detroit’s next generation of creators, innovators and entrepreneurs.

One of the facility’s cornerstone initiatives is the Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator, supported by a $1 million investment from Usher, Big Sean, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Emory University. Focused on workplace development and creative career readiness, the incubator provides skill-building opportunities and connections to internships and real-world career experiences in Detroit.

Within the incubator, Spark Lab, supported by Usher’s New Look Foundation and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, provides access to professional tools, training and mentorship in music production, digital media and entertainment-focused career pathways. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit Spark Lab location is only the second in the country.

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment’s involvement extends beyond financial support. Through mentorship opportunities and workforce development initiatives, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment is helping build a pipeline for Detroit students to prepare for and pursue careers in the industries shaping the city’s future.

The collaboration builds upon a longstanding relationship between Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit, including support through Play Ball Detroit youth baseball and softball programming, Red Wings eSports lounges and continued philanthropic investments from the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation.

The experience with Jon Genius and the Tigers offered a glimpse into what this partnership is ultimately designed to achieve; creating moments of inspiration that help students envision new possibilities for themselves.

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MotorCity Casino Hotel, Ocean Casino Resort, and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort will form the foundation of a growing portfolio of gaming, hospitality, and entertainment destinations

Ilitch Companies today announced the formation of Ilitch Gaming, a unified gaming, hospitality, and entertainment platform that will oversee the organization's gaming-related businesses and support future growth initiatives. The operation of Ilitch Gaming remains subject to regulatory approvals.

Ilitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch will serve as Chairperson of Ilitch Gaming, Bruce Dall will serve as Vice Chairperson, and John Policicchio will serve as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer. Ilitch Gaming builds on the legacy of Marian Ilitch, Co-Founder of Little Caesars with her late husband Mike, who played a leading role in the development of commercial gaming in Detroit through her ownership of MotorCity Casino Hotel.

“My mother Marian Ilitch’s vision for MotorCity Casino Hotel and our success in Detroit over nearly three decades is the inspiration for what comes next,” said Chris Ilitch, Chairperson of Ilitch Gaming. “The formation of Ilitch Gaming marks a defining new chapter in the evolution of our gaming and hospitality business. We remain committed to creating memorable experiences for guests, supporting responsible gaming, and serving as a positive economic force in the communities where we operate.”

Ilitch Companies also announced agreements to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D'Iberville, Mississippi and the remaining ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both transactions remain subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Ocean Casino Resort and Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort represent two distinct opportunities within the Ilitch Gaming portfolio. Since acquiring a 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort in 2021, Ilitch Companies has worked closely with the property's leadership team and employees to support significant capital investment, operational improvements, and continued growth. Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort expands the platform into a third gaming market and adds a property known for its strong culture, loyal customer base, and commitment to the surrounding community.

"We are excited to build on the success of MotorCity Casino Hotel and Ocean Casino Resort and welcome Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort to the Ilitch Gaming portfolio," said John Policicchio, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Development Officer of Ilitch Gaming. "Scarlet Pearl has built something special over the past decade, and we look forward to supporting its continued success. Our focus is straightforward: support great teams, deliver exceptional guest experiences, invest in the communities we serve, and responsibly grow the business over time."

"We are incredibly proud of what our team has built over the past decade and grateful for the support we have received from our guests across the Gulf Coast," said LuAnn Pappas, Chief Executive Officer of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort. "We believe Ilitch Gaming shares our commitment to hospitality, service, and community, and we are confident Scarlet Pearl is positioned for continued success."

The formation and operation of Ilitch Gaming and related leadership appointments remain subject to regulatory approvals. The Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort and Ocean Casino Resort transactions remain subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Until approvals are received and transactions are completed, each property will continue serving guests and operating as usual.

As part of Major League Baseball’s ‘Play Ball Weekend’ initiative, the Detroit Tigers Foundation hosted a complimentary youth baseball and softball clinic on June 7 near the Detroit Riverwalk focused on skill development, engagement and growing the game throughout the Detroit community.

The event welcomed more than 200 youth participants ages 6-13 from throughout metro Detroit for a morning of instruction, interactive activities and baseball and softball fundamentals.

Youth participants enjoyed several interactive, fun stations and activities, including Hitting/Home Run Derby, Pitching/Throwing, Defense and Agilities, as well as Airbrush Tattoo and Blow-up Activations, followed by a scrimmage to show off the new skills they learned to end the morning.

“MLB Play Ball Weekend is something the entire league looks forward to every year, and the turnout of eager, ready-to-learn kids at the clinic was awesome,” said Tigers manager of baseball growth initiatives Matthew Williams. “To see all the smiling faces and to see the boys and girls really paying attention and eager to get better is a great step for growing baseball and softball for the future.”

The complimentary clinic was managed by several groups of local, qualified volunteers, including Tigers Nike RBI coaches and players, Baseball Done Right/Tigers Summer Camp staff, the Detroit Riverfront Conservatory, Wayne State University baseball players and a variety of players from local high schools and colleges.

Clinic participants received a Play Ball Weekend T-shirt and a bat-and-ball set, and after the clinic, all participants received two tickets to the Tigers’ home game Sunday night where the club earned a walk-off win against the Seattle Mariners. The clinic participants also got to run the Comerica Park bases after the game.

MLB’s Play Ball Weekend was also the inspiration for the Tigers’ Play Ball Detroit program, which launched in 2023 by the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Nike, inspiring thousands of children in neighborhoods across the city of Detroit to dream big through the power of Tigers baseball each year. Through a thoughtful mix of free to low-cost programming as well as hyper-local solutions, Play Ball Detroit provides necessary resources to grow the game throughout the city.

“Play Ball Detroit has grown so much since its inception a few short years ago, and it’s because of the dedication of so many incredible Tigers representatives in partnership with some very dedicated partners,” Williams said. “We’re excited for many more Play Ball Detroit events throughout the 2026 season and beyond.”

To learn more about the Tigers’ Play Ball program, visit Tigers.com/PlayBallDetroit.

On June 1, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E) Senior Vice President of Business Strategy & Innovation Taylor Traub was named to Sports Business Journal’s (SBJ) Forty Under 40 class of 2026, an honor recognizing the most accomplished and influential young leaders across the sports business industry.

Each year, SBJ selects 40 executives across teams, leagues, media, agencies and brands who are driving innovation and shaping the future of sports business.

Traub joined IS+E in 2019 as Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. In this role, he focused on financial reporting, long-range planning, and data strategy and analytics.

In 2022, Traub created and launched the organization’s Business Analytics Team – leading to promotion to Vice President of Business Analytics. Under his leadership, the team developed and sustained a culture of business partnership and high performance.  

In June 2025, he was promoted to his current position, where he leads a team of five direct reports and more than 15 dedicated colleagues, spanning business strategy, data analytics, growth, and enterprise A.I. adoption.

“Taylor consistently delivers transformational business results through data-driven strategy, forward-thinking leadership and a rare ability to execute across a complex multi-team organization,” said Ilitch Sports + Entertainment President & CEO Ryan Gustafson. “Taylor is an entrepreneur at heart, driving measurable growth and operational improvement. He is incredibly deserving of this honor, and we are extremely proud of how he represents our organization.”

Traub has been a key leader across numerous IS+E initiatives, focusing on strategic planning, initiative management and execution, long-term venue planning, and numerous commercial strategies.

As champion for enterprise A.I., Traub has driven IS+E’s end-to-end A.I. roadmap. Under his leadership, IS+E successfully launched a new business intelligence platform featuring key applications now used by hundreds of colleagues, significantly improving visibility, performance tracking and decision-making across the organization.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Traub brings this same commitment to service into the community. He is a vocal advocate for individuals with disabilities and for the mental health needs of caregivers, shaped in part by his family’s experience with Parkinson’s disease.

In addition, his volunteerism, youth coaching and engagement with nonprofit organizations reflect a leader who prioritizes empathy, inclusion and community well-being. Through these efforts, Traub exemplifies leadership that extends far beyond his role, one defined by service and meaningful, people-first impact.

Read more at Sports Business Journal.

Opening May 2026 in Damansara, this debut marks the start of Little Caesars expansion in Malaysia, with multiple new locations planned across the region

Little Caesars, the world’s third-largest pizza chain, is officially expanding to Malaysia, marking an exciting milestone in its global growth journey. The first Little Caesars restaurant in Malaysia is set to open on May 24, 2026 in Damansara, Malaysia. The debut in Damansara sets the stage for continued expansion across the country.

Little Caesars entry into Malaysia introduces its iconic HOT-N-READY® Classic Pepperoni Pizza and pepperoni Crazy Puffs® to a vibrant and diverse food scene, while also embracing local tastes with unique, regionally inspired menu items like the Chicken Hawaiian, 3 Cheese Edge to Edge, and Mushroom Soup.

“Launching in Malaysia marks an exciting milestone as we continue to grow our global footprint,” said Paula Vissing, President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Retail. “We’re thrilled to introduce Malaysian guests to our delicious offerings made with fresh ingredients at an incredible value. With Malaysia’s dynamic food culture and strong sense of community, we’re excited to become part of this thriving market.”

Little Caesars is bringing its signature menu to Malaysia while also embracing local tastes, ensuring a balance of global favorites and flavors that resonate with the region. With a focus on freshness, bold flavor, and everyday convenience, the brand aims to become a go-to option for families, friends, and busy consumers alike.

The brand’s expansion into Malaysia is led by franchisees Dato' Vincent Choo and Datin Cynthia Cheong, whose extensive industry experience and deep understanding of the local market position them well to grow the brand. As seasoned operators, they own and manage multiple QSR brands across the country, bringing a strong track record of operational excellence and market insight to Little Caesars continued growth in Malaysia.

“We’re proud to introduce Little Caesars to Malaysia and share its world-famous pizza with our community,” said Dato' Vincent Choo and Datin Cynthia Cheong. “We believe there is strong demand for high-quality, affordable pizza, and we’re excited to bring something new and exciting to the local dining scene.”

With a focus on operational excellence and guest experience, the franchise team is committed to building the Little Caesars brand across Malaysia and delivering a consistent, high-quality product to every guest.

The Malaysia launch represents another key step in Little Caesars continued international expansion, as the brand brings its signature value and flavor to more communities around the world. As Little Caesars continues to grow globally, franchise opportunities are available in markets across the world. To learn more, visit https://international.littlecaesars.com/.

A group of volunteers from Ilitch Companies recently partnered with Birdie’s Book Mobile to help strengthen literacy initiatives across the city of Detroit. Their efforts focused on preparing books for distribution and ensuring that community resources are well-stocked and accessible.

Working in the organization’s warehouse, volunteers spent time sorting and organizing a wide range of books. These materials will be distributed to individuals and organizations throughout Detroit, helping to expand access to reading materials in underserved areas.

Volunteers also prepared books for placement in the Little Libraries maintained by Birdie’s Book Mobile. These small, community-based book exchanges are located throughout the city and provide free, convenient access to books for readers of all ages.

Birdie’s Book Mobile continues to rely on community involvement to sustain and grow its programs, which aim to foster a love of reading and improve literacy outcomes across Detroit.

“Since June of 2022, we have donated almost 250,000 books to teachers, to students, and to families here in the city,” said Alyce Hartman, Founder and Executive Director of Birdies Book Mobile. “In order for us to give away as many books as we do and to manage our program, we rely heavily on volunteers. They are linking arms with us in literacy and helping us make the impact that we're making here in the city. We are getting books into the hands and homes of children and families in Detroit.”

The Ilitch Companies Foundation Colleague Engagement program continues to support nonprofits in Detroit through the service of their volunteers.

Want to know more?

Take a look at our Ilitch Community Impact in 2026

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